Anyone?

Why are hernias risks increased after surgery. Is this immediately after surgery because things have been moved around, or a potential complication for a period of time? I had 2 major abdominal surgeries in the past and they were worried about hernias but I never got any. Why does this procedure seem to be a high risk for hernias? Is it caused by strain from bowel movements or vomiting? Or something else that I haven't thought of?

Robin

I think it's probably because of the 6 incisions. That's why you have to be very careful not to pick up (push) anything too heavy in the first 4 weeks post surgery. But there maybe something else I am not aware.

I have had two hernia repairs- one emergency operation at 7 months post RNY. The second one was four weeks ago and part of an abdominal wall reconstruction. I had 2 c-sections (29 and 25 years ago), emergency gall bladder removal (28 years ago and a 10 inch scar), two laparoscopic abdominal procedures 15 and 10 years ago and RNY 23 months ago. All the surgery and pregnancies (3) caused weakness in my abdominal wall. My guess is that so many of us who have been obese for so long (30 years for me) have had experiences that make us more hernia prone. Also, any surgery in our abdomen and pregnancies can increase hernia risk.

That said, ask your doctor to help you figure out your risk.